Library Marketing and PR Tools

Mail House Guidelines

1. Consider the mail piece design (3 basic designs)

Cards:

• Min: 3 1/2" height x 5" length (.007 thick)
• Max: 4 1/4" height x 6" length (.016 thick)

Letter:

• Min: 3 1/2" height x 5" length (.007 thick)
• Max: 6 1/8" height x 11 1/2" length (.25 thick)

Flat:

• Min: 6" height x 6" length (.25 thick)
• Max: 12" height x 15" length (.75 thick)

2. Think about ways to automate the mailing piece

• Meet the size and weight standards
• Make sure the piece contains no sharp or bulky items
• Make sure the piece is sealed securely (ex: folded self-mailer tab on top)
• Make the piece readable by automation equipment (barcodes)

3. Know the pricing

There are different costs for mailing these pieces. Whenever possible automate all mailing pieces.

First Class Mail (letters & flats) up to 13 oz.:

• 0.44 per piece – one ounce or less and $0.17 for each additional ounce

Presorted First Class Mail (letter size only) 4 oz. or less (500-piece minimum):

• $0.414 per piece – presorted only
• $0.382 per piece – presorted & automated

Presorted First Class Mail (flats) up to 13 oz.:

• $0.757 per oz – presorted & automated and $0.17 for each additional oz

Standard Mail (letters up to 6 1/8" x 11") weighing 3.3 oz. or less (200-piece minimum):

• $0.273 per piece – presorted only
• $0.270 per piece – presorted & automated

Standard Mail (flats) weighing 3.3 oz. or less:

• $0.558 per piece – presorted only
• $0.496 per piece – presorted & automated

First Class Postcard Rate (card size cannot exceed 4 1/4" x 6"):

• $0.245 per piece – presorted only
• $0.230 per piece – presorted & automated

Further discounts are available for each of these (except straight first class) depending upon the sort: basic, 3-digit or 5-digit.

4. Be sure to include indicia on the mailing piece

Meters and stamps can also be used, but these options are typically more expensive.